Heavens To Betsy unearths lost ’90s demo ahead of fall tour
Heavens to Betsy is dusting off the archives, offering a powerful reminder that some sounds are timeless, and some messages are painfully, wonderfully current. More than three decades after igniting the raw, combustible energy of the riot grrrl movement, the band is celebrating their legacy with a new collection that digs deep into their history and their profoundly important subject matter.
Corin Tucker and Tracy Sawyer have announced the release of baby’s gone, a 16-track compilation that brings forth previously unheard material alongside their iconic 1993 and 1994 7” recordings. This rediscovery follows a summer reunion where the duo performed their first Heavens to Betsy concert in over thirty years, setting the stage for an exciting fall tour.
The new collection centers around a demo tape recorded in February 1992 by Molly Neuman of Bratmobile, whose liner notes provide a fascinating window into the formation of the band. The first taste of this unearthed history is the lo-fi anthem ain’t never goin’ back, a track that perfectly captures Tucker and Sawyer finding their footing in the artistic and social ferment of early-’90s Olympia, Washington.
For many, Heavens to Betsy remains an essential touchstone in the riot grrrl story. While the music was loud and defiant, the band provided more than just noise; they carved out a crucial space for young women to process the societal issues confronting them. Their songs tackled rape culture, body shaming, and the politics of gender, forging a community based on queerness, friendship, and collective strength.
The recordings offer a unique snapshot of a pivotal moment. Tucker, who was still a student at Evergreen State College when the band began, and Sawyer, who helped build the foundation, used their music as a tool for expression. They created a space where others could find their voice, proving that sometimes the most potent art is born out of shared experience.
As they reflect on their work, the relevance of their message only seems to deepen. Sawyer notes that reconnecting with Tucker and revisiting their work as adults has been a truly cool experience, recognizing how deeply relevant the subjects they addressed still are today. The music, it turns out, comes back almost instinctively; it’s pure muscle memory.
Molly Neuman, who captured the band at that formative moment, played a key role, recognizing the need for young women to have tools for self-expression. She simply checked out a Tascam from the college library and recorded them, giving the band the voice they needed.
The reunion and the new archive are more than just a historical exercise. They are a celebration of a band that gave permission—a collective permission—to be messy, to be real, and to demand a seat at the table. As Heavens to Betsy hits the road on their upcoming tour, they carry with them a powerful legacy of resilience and raw, honest expression.
Here is a glimpse of the upcoming tour dates:
10/16: Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
10/17: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill
10/18: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill
10/28: Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
10/30: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
10/31: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/1: Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
11/5: Seattle, WA @ Nuemos
11/8: Pasadena, CA @ Sid the Cat Auditorium
11/14: Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle
11/15: Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle
11/21: Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
11/22: Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
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